Resources

We’re hearing more and more about the destructive effects of the extreme extraction method known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to obtain natural gas. Many research studies have been released to support the harms to health, the environment, air quality, and water sources that have been obvious for years to those living near fracking wells.

The infrastructure to get fracked gas out of heavily fracked areas like the Marcellus Shale is growing exponentially, and the public is increasingly resisting the incursions on their land and communities. While fewer studies have been conducted on the harms of infrastructure facilities like compressor stations, people nonetheless are suffering ill effects from the resulting air pollution and noise.

We know pipelines explode and leak, but we don’t always have ready access to information about them. Even basic information, such as the location of wells, compressor stations and pipelines, can be difficult to obtain.

The good news is that there are many good resources out there, and new ones being developed every day. Cetology will list some here, particularly those pertaining to the Marcellus Shale. (The list is pretty sparse right now, but will continue to grow.)

Maps

Clean Air Council’s Map of Natural Gas Facilities in Pennsylvania

The Clean Air Council provides a resource to locate gas infrastructure in Pennsylvania–compressor stations, dehydration stations, process facilities, NGL pumping stations, pipelines, and power plants. You can even use it to report problems with air and water. There are instructions on using the map, which you can find here.

Compressor stations in the Washington, DC area, a birdseye view. Some of the information here is a little outdated, but you will find excellent pictures and maps of compressor stations along the Transco line in Maryland and Virginia.